DePuy Synthes, the orthopedic and neurological branch of Johnson & Johnson, has invested €36 million through its Ireland Innovation Centre to advance material science in 3D printing.
This investment will contribute to R&D at DePuy Synthes’ Materials and Surface Technology Centre, Johnson & Johnson’s 3D Printing Centre of Excellence, and the Advanced Materials + BioEngineering Research (AMBER) centre.
Simon Coveney, the Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, announced this investment, which has also created 30 jobs at the company’s Ringaskiddy facility. Coveney said:
“DePuy Synthes’ investment of €36 million in innovation and the addition of 30 jobs at the company’s Materials Centre of Excellence is fantastic news for the region, and clearly demonstrates the strong commitment by DePuy to the site.”
The DePuy Synthes Innovation Centre
The DePuy Synthes Innovation Centre was established a decade ago to integrate new technologies for the company’s orthopedic portfolio, which includes 3D printed patient-specific implants.
This new investment will specifically aid a five-year project focusing on advancing material science in 3D printing, coatings and surface treatments for higher quality implants and medical devices. In addition, a 3D Printing Development and Launch Center will be established.
“Ireland continues to evolve its global leadership position in the manufacture of high value, highly regulated innovative products and services,” stated Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, a foreign direct investment agency, who also contributed to this investment.
“Exemplars in this regard which truly stand on the world stage include DePuy Synthes, who have been identified as a World Economic Forum Lighthouse for their process-driven digital twin programme pioneered in their ‘Factory of the Future’ in Cork. Today’s further investment in this site is a clear endorsement of the talent, foresight, and capability of the team.”
DePuy Synthes and 3D bioprinting
Last year, DePuy Synthes and Materialise, a Belgian software and 3D printing service provider, expanded their partnership to develop the TRUMATCH Personalized Solutions Shoulder System. This system enables surgeons to plan, design and order patient-specific 3D printed guides for shoulder operations.
Following this, DePuy Synthes strengthened its interbody implant portfolio which includes titanium integrated PEEK technology for minimally invasive spinal surgeries. Gary Clerkin, Global Leader, Manufacturing Engineering, Science & Technology, DePuy Synthes, explained:
“It is crucial that we continue to deliver impactful research outcomes, and this advanced Materials and Surface Technology Centre will help accelerate innovation through the supply chain and shape the products of the future.”
Furthermore, the AMBER centre will continue its research project to develop 3D bioprinted implants for people suffering from osteoarthritis within DePuy Synthes’ project. Clerkin added:
“A central element of this investment, the 3D Printing Development and Launch Centre, complements the 3D Bioprinting partnership with Trinity College Dublin launched last year.”
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Featured image shows the DePuy Synthes facility in Lough Beg, Ringaskiddy, Ireland. Photo via Mark Redmond twitter/American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
